RNIB (The Royal National Institute of Blind People): Talk and Support Befriending groups

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Free, phone-based, social groups for adults with sight loss across the UK.

Talk and Support

The RNIB Talk and Support team run free, phone-based, social groups for adults with sight loss across the UK. They give people the opportunity to socialise, build friendships and get peer support with others who also experience sight loss. We match individuals together for conversations based on age and group preferences. If you would like to join a Talk and Support group you can register your interest by filling out our form.

How it works

Trained volunteers or RNIB staff facilitate the groups. Typically, Talk and Support groups meet on the same day, at the same time, each week. Each group runs for 55 minutes. Our facilitators help the group chat together and keep the conversation flowing.

We can also offer advice on accessible connection options if individuals are keen to communicate outside of their befriending group. We have lots of people who successfully take part in our groups who have difficulties with hearing. If you use a hearing aid or amplified phone, then please email us so we can discuss your needs.

Register your interest

Charles Bonnet syndrome specialist groups

We offer four specialist groups every week for people with Charles Bonnet syndrome to meet others in a similar situation and gain peer support. Someone from Esme’s Umbrella attends the groups to provide more information about the condition. If you would like to attend one of these groups, then please email us.